Don Brewer

Am I correct in assuming trails are pre-assigned to groups UFWDA creates based on the vehicle questions asked during registration?Not to say I don't trust the organizers' wisdom, but if one wished to go harder, easier, request a specific trail, etc. is there a time where change is possible? (Without being a pain to the organizers)Is the group / trail assignment info mailed or do we pick it up at the Wheel-in?Thanks -

Chris Boucher

Here is some trail information taken from last year's Wheel-in FAQs, along with some new information...

Q. When we signed up for the Wheel-in, we were asked what kind of trails we wanted to run. Will we be able to change our original request? A. The Wheel-in registration is a generic registration form, set up to accommodate all different venues, including those that differentiate individual trails based on difficulty. For the Virginia Wheel-in at Oak Ridge, all vehicles will use all of the same trail system. See question below for more information.

Q. How are groups/rides divided up at Oak Ridge and what are the trails like?A. We plan to run the Oak Ridge Loop for the Wheel-in, which is a combination of all the trails and obstacles available at Oak Ridge. We plan to start everyone at different points on the loop, wheel as much of the loop as you can on Day 1, pick up where you left off on Day 2. The loop is approximately 47 miles long, with 42 miles of dirt, rocks, water crossings, hills, etc. The remaining mileage is using the paved and gravel county roads to access the trails that crisscross the property. Everyone will basically be running the entire trail system (time permitting). Do not expect Tellico, Rausch Creek, Crozet, Wind Rock, etc. God did not bless us with such terrain on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge. Some consider Oak Ridge on par with Uwharrie. There is plenty of bark at Oak Ridge, and plenty to bite you there as well. Stock vehicles have covered all of this property (sometimes with a little help) and there are bypasses around most of the obstacles. Modified vehicles will have plenty to attempt at Oak Ridge.

Q. Can we ride together with our friends or fellow club members?A. Trails have not been assigned. We will stage up in 10+ trail groups, so if you want to ride with your friends and/or club members try to arrive at the same time Friday morning at staging, so you can line up together. HOPEFULLY many of you will want to meet and wheel with some new folks, so selecting a line will not matter. (We reserve the right to move vehicles in order to even out trail groups.)

Q. How long will we be trail riding?A. Typically you are on the trail from 9 am until about 4 pm. Bring lunch and drinks for you and your passengers to have on the trail. New for this year are half day rides. Please tell the event staff when you check in if you only want to ride for half a day on Friday (morning or afternoon) and Saturday (morning or afternoon). This way we can coordinate the trail groups accordingly. There will be other 4x4 activities at the main event area.

Q. We signed up for all day rides, but what if the driver (or their loved ones) wants a break from trail riding, what can we do?A. Breaks from trail riding will be difficult, but not impossible. The loop crosses the county roads in many places, at those points you will be able to leave your group after discussing it with the trail guides, however, you will not be able to rejoin your group. Make sure you know where you are going if you decide to leave your group! Please do not attempt to jump back in with your group or any other group you see heading to the trails - again, rejoining your group will NOT be possible. There will be other 4x4 activities at the main event area.

Q. Are we wheeling in the rain or snow?A. Yes. However, we may have to close portions of the trail loop to ensure participant safety, and for resource protection. The trails at Oak Ridge get very slippery when wet. Make sure your recovery gear is in top shape and easily accessible.

Chris Boucher

Just an FYI if you want to stay close by, the Village Inn has had some rooms open up, there are 4 rooms available. They are 3.2 miles away, (a 5 minute drive - watch your speed in the school zone Friday!!)

Just an FYI if you want to stay close by, the Village Inn has had some rooms open up, there are 4 rooms available. They are 3.2 miles away, (a 5 minute drive - watch your speed in the school zone Friday!!)

I've stayed at both for the VA4WDA events, but it has been a few years. The Village Inn is closer and a little nicer. However, there is nothing wrong with the Amherst Inn and I would have no problems staying there again.